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Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Relief loan applications open for Utah's farmers impacted by ongoing drought
SALT LAKE CITY () — Just under a month after over drought concerns, the state's farmers have access to a $2 million loan fund. The state of emergency declaration was made after – only 44% of Utah's normal snowpack. At the time of the declaration, Cox urged Utahns to be 'extremely mindful' of their water use and find every possible way to conserve. But for Utah's farmers, the ongoing drought and water scarcity threaten crops, livestock and long-term viability, according to (UDAF) Commissioner Kelly Pehrson. Remains of Utah woman found a mile away from where her 'original remains' were discovered last year 'We recognize the tremendous strain drought places on farm families and rural communities, and the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food is committed to doing everything we can to help,' said Pherson. 'This loan program is just one of the tools we're using to support producers through this crisis and keep our agricultural economy strong.' Under the loan relief program, eligible farmers in the 17 impacted counties, found below, will be able to apply for a low-interest loan of up to $100,000. UDAF said the loans are seven-year loans with no interest for the first two years and a 2.75% interest rate for the five remaining years. The counties eligible for the loan are: Beaver Carbon Emery Garfield Grand Iron Juab Kane Millard Piute San Juan Sanpete Sevier Tooele Uintah Washington Wayne UDAF officials said applications for the relief fund loan will only be accepted until Oct. 23, 2025. Guidelines and application materials can be found online on the UDAF website, here. Farmers can also find additional relief programs through the with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Utah Subway franchise owner sued by federal agency over 2020 sexual assault Hassan, Noem lock horns over habeas corpus White House hold mock briefing for children Relief loan applications open for Utah's farmers impacted by ongoing drought The breathtaking Guardsman Pass scenic byway reopens for 2025 summer season Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Utah: Up to $2 million in drought relief for farmers
The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food announced on Tuesday the availability of low-interest loans for agricultural producers impacted by drought through the Emergency Disaster Relief Loan program. Up to $2 million is available for impacted agricultural producers in 17 counties widely expected to suffer the worst effects. In April, Gov. Spencer Cox issued a state of emergency due to ongoing drought in the following counties: Beaver, Carbon, Emery, Garfield, Grand, Iron, Juab, Kane, Millard, Piute, San Juan, Sanpete, Sevier, Tooele, Uintah, Washington and Wayne. The declaration recognizes the significant challenges the drought presents to Utah's agricultural economy and rural communities. Eligible producers in those counties may apply for relief loans of up to $100,000 per entity; up to $2 million total is available through the program. The loans are low-interest, seven year loans with no interest for the first two years, and 2.75% thereafter. Applications will be accepted until Oct. 23. 'Utah's agricultural producers are on the front lines of drought impacts, facing difficult decisions as water scarcity threatens crops, livestock, and long-term viability,' said Agricultural Commissioner Kelly Pehrson. 'We recognize the tremendous strain drought places on farm families and rural communities, and the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food is committed to doing everything we can to help. This loan program is just one of the tools we're using to support producers through this crisis and keep our agricultural economy strong,' he added. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, 93% of Utah is abnormally dry. Just over 42% of the state is already classified as suffering from severe drought, while southwest Utah is in extreme drought. A recent report outlining the water supply outlook for Utah noted the precarious conditions playing out in that region. Soil moisture values in that area are breaking records for dryness, according to the Utah Snow Survey with the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Peak runoff forecasts are predicted to be in the bottom 15th percentile, if not record-setting. Despite resilient reservoir supply conditions, the agency said it remains 'very' concerned about the water supply outlook in the St. George area due to these factors. The area, in fact, is the driest it's been since the state first started taking records in 1895. Interested applicants should visit review program guidelines and application materials. UDAF encourages all producers to also contact their local USDA Farm Service Agency office to explore other federal drought assistance options. More drought resources are available at:
